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Abstract:

A method and apparatus for encoding feedback signal is provided. The
method includes: encoding feedback signals of three carriers to output a
bit sequence; and transmitting the bit sequence on a High Speed-Dedicated
Physical Control Channel (HS-DPCCH). The encoding the feedback signals of
the three carriers may specifically include: mapping the feedback signals
of the three carriers into a codeword, in which the codeword can be
selected from a codebook, and codewords in the codebook satisfy a
particular code distance relationship. The method for jointly encoding
feedback signals of three carriers in a Ternary Cell (TC) mode is
provided. Feedback signals are transmitted over a single code channel.
Therefore, power overhead is reduced, and system performance is improved.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the feedback signal of the three
carriers is transmitted through a High Speed-Dedicated Physical Control
Channel (HS-DPCCH).

7. The method of claim 5, further comprising: selecting a decode space to
decode the feedback signal of the three carriers according to a sending
mode.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the sending mode is as follows:
TABLE-US-00027
Carrier 1 Carrier 2 Carrier 3
Mode 1 On Off Off
Mode 2 Off On Off
Mode 3 Off Off On
Mode 4 On On Off
Mode 5 On Off On
Mode 6 Off On On
Mode 7 On On On

wherein "On" indicates that data is sent on a carrier, and "Off"
indicates that data is not sent on a carrier or a carrier is deactivated.

10. The radio access device of claim 9, wherein the feedback signal of
the three carriers is transmitted through a High Speed-Dedicated Physical
Control Channel (HS-DPCCH).

11. The radio access device of claim 9, further comprising: a decoder,
configured to select a decode space to decode the feedback signal of the
three carriers according to a sending mode.

12. The radio access device of claim 11, wherein the sending mode is as
follows:
TABLE-US-00029
Carrier 1 Carrier 2 Carrier 3
Mode 1 On Off Off
Mode 2 Off On Off
Mode 3 Off Off On
Mode 4 On On Off
Mode 5 On Off On
Mode 6 Off On On
Mode 7 On On On

wherein "On" indicates that data is sent on a carrier, and "Off"
indicates that data is not sent on a carrier or a carrier is deactivated.

Description:

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/951,898, filed on Jul. 26, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/235,091, filed on Sep. 16, 2011, now U.S.
Pat. No. 8,526,530, which is a continuation of International Application
No. PCT/CN2009/070846, filed on Mar. 17, 2009. The afore-mentioned patent
applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of communication
technologies, and in particular, to a method and apparatus for encoding
feedback signals.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In a physical layer hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ)
procedure, a User Equipment (UE) monitors a High Speed-Shared Control
Channel (HS-SCCH). If no data is received, the UE has no action, which
can be understood that: the UE does not transmit information to a base
station (a Node B), and in this case, feedback information acquired by
the Node B is Discontinuous Transmission (DTX) information. If data is
received, data on a High Speed-Downlink Shared Channel (HS-DSCH) is
detected according to control channel information. If the received data
is correct, acknowledgement (ACK) information is transmitted to the Node
B; if the received data is incorrect, Negative acknowledgement (NACK)
information is transmitted to the Node B. The DTX, ACK, and NACK
information are uniformly referred to as hybrid automatic repeat
request-acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information. After being encoded, the
HARQ-ACK information is further transmitted to the Node B through an
uplink High Speed-Dedicated Physical Control Channel (HS-DPCCH). The Node
B receives and translates the feedback information. If the feedback
information is ACK, new data is transmitted; if the feedback information
is NACK, the data is re-transmitted; if the feedback information is DTX,
the new data is re-transmitted.

[0004] In the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards, a
Dual Carrier-High Speed Downlink Packet Access (DC-HSDPA) technology is
introduced for improving user experience. Based on the technology,
several HARQ-ACK encoding solutions are provided in the prior art, and
are specifically illustrated as follows.

[0005] In the Release 5 (R5) version of 3GPP TS25.212, a single-carrier
encoding solution is provided. In this case, a total of three feedback
signals are required to be transmitted, namely, ACK, NACK, and DTX, in
which ACK and NACK are required to use codewords, as shown in Table 1-1:

[0006] In the Release 8 (R8) version of the 3GPP TS25.212, a dual-carrier
encoding solution is provided, and the solution requires nine feedback
signals, in which eight codewords are used (DTX does not use any
codeword), as shown in Table 1-2:

[0007] Currently, researches about Ternary Cell (TC) technologies have not
been started yet, and the inventors find by studying the prior art that:
if the prior art is adopted to solve the feedback problem in TC, the most
direct method is to adopt three code channels, each carrier uses one code
channel, and then the encoding solution as shown in Table 1-1 is adopted;
or two code channels are adopted. One carrier uses the encoding solution
as shown in Table 1-1, and the other two carriers use the encoding
solution as shown in Table 1-2. Disadvantages of the two methods lie in
that, excessive power is required to be consumed, the generally consumed
power is 2 to 3 times of that for the single carrier, and a system Cubic
Metric (CM) value is increased, thus affecting the system performance.

SUMMARY

[0008] The embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for encoding
feedback signals to implement that feedback signals of three carriers are
encoded with a single code channel.

[0009] An embodiment provides a method for encoding feedback signals. The
method may include: encoding feedback signals of three carriers to output
a bit sequence; and transmitting the bit sequence on an uplink HS-DPCCH,
in which the encoding the feedback signals of the three carriers
includes: mapping the feedback signals of the three carriers into a
codeword selected from a codebook, in which the codebook comprises
codewords G1 to G16 and H1 to H10, in which code distance relationships
of the codewords in the codebook are as shown in Table 1-3:

[0010] A value in Table 1-3 represents a code distance between two
codewords.

[0011] Another embodiment provides a method for encoding feedback signals.
The method may include: encoding feedback signals of three carriers to
output a bit sequence; and transmitting the bit sequence on an uplink
HS-DPCCH. The encoding the feedback signals of the three carriers
includes: mapping the feedback signals of the three carriers into a
codeword selected from a codebook, in which the codebook comprises
codewords A1 to A6, B1 to B6, C1 to C6, and D1 to D6. Code distance
relationships of the codewords in the codebook are as shown in Table 1-4:

where a value in Table 1-4 represents a code distance between
corresponding codewords.

[0012] Further another embodiment provides a method for encoding feedback
signals. The method may include: encoding feedback signals of three
carriers; and transmitting a bit sequence encoded and output on an uplink
HS-DPCCH. The encoding the feedback signals of the three carriers
includes: mapping the feedback signals of the three carriers into a
codeword selected from a codebook. The codebook comprises codewords A1 to
A6, B1 to B6, C1 to C6, D1 to D6, E1, and F1, in which code distance
relationships of the codewords in the codebook are as shown in Table 1-5:

where a value in Table 1-5 represents a code distance between two
codewords.

[0013] Further another embodiment provides a method for encoding feedback
signals. The method may include: encoding feedback signals of three
carriers to output a bit sequence; and transmitting the bit sequence on
an uplink HS-DPCCH, in which the encoding the feedback signals of the
three carriers includes: mapping the feedback signals of the three
carriers into a codeword selected from a codebook. The codebook comprises
codewords A1 to A6, B1 to B6, C1 to C6, D1 to D6, E1, and F1, in which
code distance relationships of the codewords in the codebook are as shown
in Table 1-6:

where a value in Table 1-6 represents a code distance between two
codewords.

[0014] Further another embodiment provides an apparatus for encoding
feedback signal. The apparatus may include: an encoder, configured to
encode feedback signals of three carriers to output a bit sequence; and a
transmitter, configured to transmit the bit sequence encoded on an uplink
HS-DPCCH. The encoder is further configured to map the feedback signals
of the three carriers into a codewords selected from a codebook, in which
the codebook comprises codewords G1 to G16 and H1 to H10, and code
distance relationships of the codewords in the codebook are as shown in
Table 1-3.

[0015] Further another embodiment provides an apparatus for encoding
feedback signal. The apparatus may include: an encoder, configured to
encode feedback signals of three carriers to output a bit sequence; and a
transmitter, configured to transmit the bit sequence on an uplink
HS-DPCCH. The encoder is further configured to map the feedback signals
of the three carriers into a codeword selected from a codebook, in which
the codebook comprises codewords A1 to A6, B1 to B6, C1 to C6, and D1 to
D6, and code distance relationships of the codewords in the codebook are
as shown in Table 1-4.

[0016] Further another embodiment provides an apparatus for encoding
feedback signals. The apparatus may include: an encoder, configured to
encode feedback signals of three carriers to output a bit sequence; and a
transmitter, configured to transmit the bit sequence on an uplink
HS-DPCCH. The encoder is further configured to map the feedback signals
of the three carriers into a codeword selected from a codebook, in which
the codebook comprises codewords A1 to A6, B1 to B6, C1 to C6, D1 to D6,
E1, and F1, and code distance relationships of the codewords in the
codebook are as shown in Table 1-5.

[0017] Further another embodiment provides an apparatus for encoding
feedback signals. The apparatus may include: an encoder, configured to
encode feedback signals of three carriers to output a bit sequence; and a
transmitter, configured to transmit the bit sequence on an uplink
HS-DPCCH. The encoder is further configured to map the feedback signals
of the three carriers into a codeword selected from a codebook, in which
the codebook comprises codewords A1 to A6, B1 to B6, C1 to C6, D1 to D6,
E1, and F1, in which code distance relationships of the codewords in the
codebook are as shown in Table 1-6.

[0018] The embodiments provide methods for jointly encoding feedback
signals of three carriers in TC mode. In the embodiments, a single code
channel is applied, which not only reduces power overhead and improves
system performance, but does not affect CM value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the
advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic structure of a HARQ-ACK joint encoder in TC
mode according to an embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method for encoding feedback signals
according to another embodiment; and

[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic structure of an apparatus for encoding
feedback signals according to further another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic structure of a HARQ-ACK joint encoder in TC
mode according to an embodiment. In TC mode, a Node B transmits data to a
UE on at most three carriers simultaneously, and after receiving at most
three data blocks, the UE is required to transmit feedback for receiving
the data each, in which feedback information includes DTX, ACK, and NACK.
The UE synthesizes the feedback information of the three carriers,
namely, encodes the feedback information into a 10-bit 0-1 sequence, and
transmit to the Node B through a HS-DPCCH. The Node B selects a decode
space to decode the feedback information according to the sending mode.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the input signals of the joint encoder are
feedback signals for a UE receiving data, i, j, and k are feedback
signals for receiving data from three carriers. Values of i, j, and k may
be DTX, ACK, or NACK. The output signal of the joint encoder is a 10-bit
0-1 sequence, represented with Xijk. Functions of the joint encoder
are that the UE encodes feedback signals of at most three carriers, and
transmits the outputted bit sequence on a HS-DPCCH.

TABLE-US-00007
TABLE 1-7
Data Sending Mode With TC
Carrier 1 Carrier 2 Carrier 3
Mode 1 On Off Off
Mode 2 Off On Off
Mode 3 Off Off On
Mode 4 On On Off
Mode 5 On Off On
Mode 6 Off On On
Mode 7 On On On

[0026] In Table 1-7, "On" indicates that data is sent on the carrier, and
"Off" indicates that data is not sent on the carrier or the carrier is
deactivated.

[0027] Each of the sending modes corresponds to a decoding space, with
reference to Table 1-8. After receiving the encoded feedback signals of
the UE, the Node B may select a decoding space according to a sending
mode, and decode the feedback signals in the decoding space.

[0028] In Table 1-8, for example, a feedback signal N-D-A is an
abbreviation of NACK-DTX-ACK, which indicates that feedback information
of Carrier 1 is NACK, feedback information of Carrier 2 is DTX, and
feedback information of Carrier 3 is ACK. Other feedback signals are
similar to this.

Embodiment 1 of a Method for Encoding Feedback Signals

[0029] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method for encoding feedback signals
according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the method includes the
following steps.

[0032] The Step 101 may specifically include mapping the feedback signals
of the three carriers into a codeword selected from a codebook. The
codebook satisfies a particular code distance relationship, which may be
acquired through computer searching or by using other methods. Under a
condition that a certain requirement (such as compatibility) is
satisfied, a principle of selecting a codebook is that the smallest code
distance is maximized, and the number of the smallest code distances is
minimized.

[0033] The codebook of this embodiment includes 26 codewords in total, and
these codewords are selected from the codebook comprising codewords G1 to
G16 and H1 to H10. For code distance relationships between codewords,
reference can be made to Table 1-9.

[0036] It can be seen from Table 1-10 that, in this embodiment, the
feedback signal D-N-D is mapped into G8; the feedback signal D-A-D is
mapped into H8; the feedback signal N-D-D is mapped into H3; the feedback
signal N-N-D is mapped into H7; the feedback signal N-A-D is mapped into
H9; the feedback signal A-D-D is mapped into G3; the feedback signal
A-N-D is mapped into G4; the feedback signal A-A-D is mapped into H6; the
feedback signal D-D-N is mapped into H1; the feedback signal D-N-N is
mapped into G6; the feedback signal D-A-N is mapped into G10; the
feedback signal N-D-N is mapped into G2; the feedback signal N-N-N is
mapped into H2; the feedback signal N-A-N is mapped into G16; the
feedback signal A-D-N is mapped into G12; the feedback signal A-N-N is
mapped into G15; the feedback signal A-A-N is mapped into G5; the
feedback signal D-D-A is mapped into G1; the feedback signal D-N-A is
mapped into G14; the feedback signal D-A-A is mapped into G7; the
feedback signal N-D-A is mapped into H4; the feedback signal N-N-A is
mapped into H5; the feedback signal N-A-A is mapped into G11; the
feedback signal A-D-A is mapped into H10; the feedback signal A-N-A is
mapped into G9; and the feedback signal A-A-A is mapped into G13.

[0037] Still further, in this embodiment, codeword values, namely bit
sequences, corresponding to each codeword are provided, and mapping
relationships between codewords and bit sequences may be referred to
Table 1-11. As can be seen from Table 1-11, the codebook comprises 26
codeword values with the smallest code distance of 4.

[0038] Table 1-11 is a specific example. The present invention is not
limited to merely the mapping relationships shown in Table 1-11, and
those mapping relationships obtained by performing simple transformation
on the basis of Table 1-11 also falls within the scope of the present
invention, such as random changing of a sequence between columns on the
basis of Table 1-11, or negation of a certain column value.

[0039] This embodiment provides a method for encoding feedback signals of
three carriers in TC mode. In this embodiment, a single code channel is
applied, which not only reduces power overhead, increases system
capacity, and improves system performance, but does not affect CM value.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, codebook satisfying a particular code
distance relationship is selected, and a mapping solution between
feedback signals and codewords is provided, so that signal error
detection costs (including Radio Link Control (RLC) re-transmission cost
and physical layer re-transmission cost) are minimized, thus improving
data transmission efficiency.

Embodiment 2 of a Method for Encoding Feedback Signals

[0040] The method of this embodiment includes: encoding feedback signals
of three carriers to output a bit sequence, and transmitting the bit
sequence on a HS-DPCCH.

[0041] The encoding the feedback signals of the three carriers may
specifically include: mapping the feedback signals of the three carriers
into a codeword selected from a codebook. The codebook satisfies a
particular code distance relationship, which may be acquired through
computer searching or by using other methods. Under a condition that a
certain requirement (such as compatibility) is satisfied, a principle of
selecting a codebook is that the smallest code distance is maximized, and
the number of the smallest code distances is minimized.

[0042] Specifically, the codebook in this embodiment includes 24 codewords
in total, and these codewords are selected from the codebook comprising
codewords A1 to A6, B1 to B6, C1 to C6, and D1 to D6. For code distance
relationships between the codewords, reference can be made to Table 1-12.

[0043] A value in Table 1-12 represents a code distance between two
codewords, for example, the code distance between A1 and A1 is 0, the
code distance between A1 and A2 is 6, the code distance between A1 and B1
is 10, and so on.

[0044] Further, for the mapping a feedback signal into a codeword selected
from the codebook, reference can be made to Table 1-13.

[0045] It can be seen from Table 1-13 that, in this embodiment, the
feedback signal D-N-D is mapped into D1; the feedback signal D-A-D is
mapped into C1; the feedback signal N-D-D is mapped into B1; the feedback
signal N-N-D is mapped into C2; the feedback signal N-A-D is mapped into
A2; the feedback signal A-D-D is mapped into A1; the feedback signal
A-N-D is mapped into B2; the feedback signal A-A-D is mapped into D2; the
feedback signal D-D-N is mapped into A3; the feedback signal D-N-N is
mapped into C2; the feedback signal D-A-N is mapped into C5; the feedback
signal N-D-N is mapped into D6; the feedback signal N-N-N is mapped into
C2; the feedback signal N-A-N is mapped into A5; the feedback signal
A-D-N is mapped into D4; the feedback signal A-N-N is mapped into A4; the
feedback signal A-A-N is mapped into B6; the feedback signal D-D-A is
mapped into B3; the feedback signal D-N-A is mapped into C3; the feedback
signal D-A-A is mapped into C4; the feedback signal N-D-A is mapped into
D5; the feedback signal N-N-A is mapped into A6; the feedback signal
N-A-A is mapped into B4; the feedback signal A-D-A is mapped into D3; the
feedback signal A-N-A is mapped into B5; and the feedback signal A-A-A is
mapped into C6.

[0046] Referring to Table 1-13, in this embodiment, some feedback signals
are encoded into the same codeword, for example, the feedback signals
N-N-D, D-N-N, and N-N-N are all encoded into C2. During decoding
procedure, the Node B may select a decoding space according to a sending
mode, and decodes the feedback signals in the decoding space, so that
when the sending mode is Modes 1 to 6, a codeword transmitted in this
embodiment is capable of being correctly decoded; when the sending mode
is Mode 7, and the Node B decodes a feedback signal to obtain a codeword
C2, it is decided that the feedback signal is N-N-N.

[0047] Still further, in this embodiment, codeword values, namely bit
sequences, corresponding to each codeword are provided, and mapping
relationships between codewords and bit sequences may be referred to
Table 1-14. As can be seen from Table 1-14, the codebook comprises 24
codeword values.

[0048] Table 1-14 is a specific example. The present invention is not
limited to merely the mapping relationships shown in Table 1-14, and
those mapping relationships obtained by performing simple transformation
on the basis of Table 1-14 also falls within the scope of the present
invention, such as random changing of a sequence between columns on the
basis of Table 1-14, or negation of a certain column value.

[0049] In this embodiment, 26 feedback signals are encoded with 24
codewords, and when the sending mode is Mode 7, a decoding error may
occur to the Node B, for example, the feedback signal N-N-D or D-N-N of
the UE is decoded into N-N-N, such that a bit error rate is affected.
However, since fewer codewords are adopted, the entire system performance
can be improved. In a scenario of a higher requirement of the system
performance, this embodiment has good applicability.

[0050] This embodiment provides a method for encoding feedback signals of
three carriers in TC mode. In this embodiment, a single code channel is
applied, which not only reduces power overhead and improves system
performance, but does not affect CM value.

Embodiment 3 of a Method for Encoding Feedback Signals

[0051] A difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 lies in a
mapping solution between feedback signals and codewords. For the mapping
solution of this embodiment, reference can be made to Table 1-15.

[0052] It can be seen from Table 1-15 that, in this embodiment, the
feedback signal D-N-D is mapped into D1; the feedback signal D-A-D is
mapped into C1; the feedback signal N-D-D is mapped into B1; the feedback
signal N-N-D is mapped into C2; the feedback signal N-A-D is mapped into
A2; the feedback signal A-D-D is mapped into A1; the feedback signal
A-N-D is mapped into B2; the feedback signal A-A-D is mapped into D2; the
feedback signal D-D-N is mapped into A3; the feedback signal D-N-N is
mapped into C5; the feedback signal D-A-N is mapped into C4; the feedback
signal N-D-N is mapped into C2; the feedback signal N-N-N is mapped into
C2; the feedback signal N-A-N is mapped into A5; the feedback signal
A-D-N is mapped into D3; the feedback signal A-N-N is mapped into A4; the
feedback signal A-A-N is mapped into B6; the feedback signal D-D-A is
mapped into B3; the feedback signal D-N-A is mapped into B4; the feedback
signal D-A-A is mapped into D5; the feedback signal N-D-A is mapped into
C3; the feedback signal N-N-A is mapped into D4; the feedback signal
N-A-A is mapped into D6; the feedback signal A-D-A is mapped into B5; the
feedback signal A-N-A is mapped into A6; and the feedback signal A-A-A is
mapped into C6.

[0053] Code distance relationships between codewords and mapping
relationships between codewords and codeword values according to this
embodiment may be the same as those in Embodiment 2, with reference to
Tables 1-12 and 1-14.

[0054] Referring to Table 1-15, in this embodiment, also, some feedback
signals are encoded into the same codeword, for example, the feedback
signals N-N-D, N-D-N, and N-N-N are all encoded into C2. During decoding
procedure, the Node B may select a decoding space according to a sending
mode, and perform decoding procedure in the decoding space, so that when
the sending mode is Modes 1 to 6, a codeword transmitted in this
embodiment is capable of being correctly decoded; while when the sending
mode is Mode 7, and the Node B decodes a feedback signal to obtain a
codeword C2, it is decided that the feedback signal is N-N-N.

[0055] In this embodiment, 26 feedback signals are encoded with 24
codewords, and when the sending mode is Mode 7, a decoding error may
occur to the Node B, for example, the feedback signal N-N-D or N-D-N of
the UE is decoded into N-N-N, such that a bit error rate is affected.
However, since fewer codewords are adopted, the entire system performance
can be improved. In a scenario of a higher requirement of the system
performance, this embodiment has good applicability.

[0056] This embodiment provides a method for encoding feedback signals of
three carriers in TC mode. In this embodiment, a single code channel is
applied, which not only reduces power overhead and improves system
performance, but does not affect CM value.

Embodiment 4 of a Method for Encoding Feedback Signals

[0057] A difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 lies in a
mapping solution between feedback signals and codewords. For the mapping
solution of this embodiment, reference can be made to Table 1-16.

[0058] It can be seen from Table 1-16 that, the feedback signal D-N-D is
mapped into D1; the feedback signal D-A-D is mapped into C1; the feedback
signal N-D-D is mapped into B1; the feedback signal N-N-D is mapped into
C2; the feedback signal N-A-D is mapped into C5; the feedback signal
A-D-D is mapped into A1; the feedback signal A-N-D is mapped into A4; the
feedback signal A-A-D is mapped into D3; the feedback signal D-D-N is
mapped into A3; the feedback signal D-N-N is mapped into A2; the feedback
signal D-A-N is mapped into C4; the feedback signal N-D-N is mapped into
C2; the feedback signal N-N-N is mapped into C2; the feedback signal
N-A-N is mapped into A5; the feedback signal A-D-N is mapped into D3; the
feedback signal A-N-N is mapped into B2; the feedback signal A-A-N is
mapped into B6; the feedback signal D-D-A is mapped into B3; the feedback
signal D-N-A is mapped into B4; the feedback signal D-A-A is mapped into
D4; the feedback signal N-D-A is mapped into D4; the feedback signal
N-N-A is mapped into C3; the feedback signal N-A-A is mapped into D6; the
feedback signal A-D-A is mapped into B5; the feedback signal A-N-A is
mapped into A6; and the feedback signal A-A-A is mapped into C6.

[0059] Code distance relationships between codewords and mapping
relationships between codewords and codeword values according to this
embodiment may be the same as those in Embodiment 2, with reference to
Tables 1-12 and 1-14.

[0060] Referring to Table 1-16, in this embodiment, also, some feedback
signals are encoded with the same codeword, for example, the feedback
signals N-N-D, N-D-N, and N-N-N are all encoded into C2. During decoding
procedure, the Node B may select a decoding space according to a sending
mode, and perform decoding procedure in the decoding space, so that when
the sending mode is Modes 1 to 6, a codeword transmitted in this
embodiment is capable of being correctly decoded; while when the sending
mode is Mode 7, and the Node B decodes a feedback signal to obtain a
codeword C2, it is decided that the feedback signal is N-N-N.

[0061] In this embodiment, 26 feedback signals are encoded with 24
codewords, and when the sending mode is Mode 7, a decoding error may
occur to the Node B, for example, the feedback signal N-N-D or N-D-N of
the UE is decoded into N-N-N, such that a bit error rate is affected.
However, since fewer codewords are adopted, the entire system performance
can be improved. In a scenario of a higher requirement of the system
performance, this embodiment has good applicability.

[0062] This embodiment provides a method for encoding feedback signals of
three carriers in TC mode. In this embodiment, a single code channel is
applied, which not only reduces power overhead and improves system
performance, but does not affect CM value.

Embodiment 5 of a Method for Encoding Feedback Signals

[0063] The method of this embodiment includes: encoding feedback signals
of three carriers to output a bit sequence, and sending the bit sequence
on a HS-DPCCH.

[0064] The encoding the feedback signals of the three carriers may
specifically include: mapping the feedback signals of the three carriers
into a codeword selected from a codebook. The codebook satisfies a
particular code distance relationship, which may be acquired through
computer searching or by using other methods. Under a condition that a
certain requirement (such as compatibility) is satisfied, a principle of
selecting a codebook is that the smallest code distance is maximized, and
the number of the smallest code distances is minimized.

[0065] Specifically, the codebook selected in this embodiment includes 26
codewords in total, and these codewords are selected from the codebook
comprising codewords A1 to A6, B1 to B6, C1 to C6, D1 to D6, E1, and F1.
For code distance relationships between the codewords, reference can be
made to Tables 1-12 and 1-17.

[0067] It can be seen from Table 1-18 that, in this embodiment, the
feedback signal D-N-D is mapped into D1; the feedback signal D-A-D is
mapped into C1; the feedback signal N-D-D is mapped into B1; the feedback
signal N-N-D is mapped into C2; the feedback signal N-A-D is mapped into
A2; the feedback signal A-D-D is mapped into A1; the feedback signal
A-N-D is mapped into B2; the feedback signal A-A-D is mapped into D2; the
feedback signal D-D-N is mapped into B3; the feedback signal D-N-N is
mapped into E1; the feedback signal D-A-N is mapped into C4; the feedback
signal N-D-N is mapped into D3; the feedback signal N-N-N is mapped into
F1; the feedback signal N-A-N is mapped into A5; the feedback signal
A-D-N is mapped into D4; the feedback signal A-N-N is mapped into A6; the
feedback signal A-A-N is mapped into B4; the feedback signal D-D-A is
mapped into A3; the feedback signal D-N-A is mapped into C3; the feedback
signal D-A-A is mapped into D6; the feedback signal N-D-A is mapped into
C5; the feedback signal N-N-A is mapped into C6; the feedback signal
N-A-A is mapped into D5; the feedback signal A-D-A is mapped into B5; the
feedback signal A-N-A is mapped into A4; and the feedback signal A-A-A is
mapped into B6.

[0068] Still further, in this embodiment, codeword values corresponding to
each codeword are provided, and the codeword values are bit sequences
which may be referred to Table 1-19. As can be seen from Table 1-19, the
codebook comprises the 26 codeword values with the smallest code distance
of 3.

[0069] Table 1-19 is a specific example. The present invention is not
limited to merely the mapping relationships shown in Table 1-19, and
those mapping relationships obtained by performing simple transformation
on the basis of Table 1-19 also falls within the scope of the present
invention, such as random changing of a sequence between columns on the
basis of Table 1-19, or negation of a certain column value.

[0070] This embodiment provides a method for encoding feedback signals of
three carriers in TC mode. In this embodiment, a single code channel is
applied, which not only reduces power overhead and improves system
performance, but does not affect CM value.

Embodiment 6 of a Method for Encoding Feedback Signals

[0071] A difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 5 lies in a
mapping solution between feedback signals and codewords. For the mapping
solution of this embodiment, reference can be made to Table 1-20.

[0072] It can be seen from Table 1-20 that, in this embodiment, the
feedback signal D-N-D is mapped into A2; the feedback signal D-A-D is
mapped into B2; the feedback signal N-D-D is mapped into B1; the feedback
signal N-N-D is mapped into E1; the feedback signal N-A-D is mapped into
D2; the feedback signal A-D-D is mapped into A1; the feedback signal
A-N-D is mapped into C5; the feedback signal A-A-D is mapped into B4; the
feedback signal D-D-N is mapped into A3; the feedback signal D-N-N is
mapped into F1; the feedback signal D-A-N is mapped into C1; the feedback
signal N-D-N is mapped into C2; the feedback signal N-N-N is mapped into
C6; the feedback signal N-A-N is mapped into D5; the feedback signal
A-D-N is mapped into C4; the feedback signal A-N-N is mapped into A6; the
feedback signal A-A-N is mapped into D3; the feedback signal D-D-A is
mapped into B3; the feedback signal D-N-A is mapped into C3; the feedback
signal D-A-A is mapped into B6; the feedback signal N-D-A is mapped into
B5; the feedback signal N-N-A is mapped into D4; the feedback signal
N-A-A is mapped into A4; the feedback signal A-D-A is mapped into D6; the
feedback signal A-N-A is mapped into D1; and the feedback signal A-A-A is
mapped into A5.

[0073] Code distance relationships between codewords and mapping
relationships between codewords and codeword values according to this
embodiment may be the same as those in Embodiment 5 of the method for
encoding feedback signals, with reference to Tables 1-12 and 1-17.

[0074] This embodiment provides a method for encoding feedback signals of
three carriers in TC mode. In this embodiment, a single code channel is
applied, which not only reduces power overhead and improves system
performance, but does not affect CM value.

Embodiment 7 of a Method for Encoding Feedback Signals

[0075] The method of this embodiment includes: encoding feedback signals
of three carriers to output a bit sequence, and transmitting the bit
sequence on a HS-DPCCH.

[0076] The encoding the feedback signals of the three carriers may
specifically include: mapping the feedback signals of the three carriers
into a codeword selected from a codebook. The codebook satisfies a
particular code distance relationship, which may be acquired through
computer searching or by using other methods. Under a condition that a
certain requirement (such as compatibility) is satisfied, a principle of
selecting a codebook is that the smallest code distance is maximized, and
the number of the smallest code distances is minimized.

[0077] Specifically, the codebook selected in this embodiment includes 26
codewords in total, and these codewords are selected from the codebook
comprising codewords A1 to A6, B1 to B6, C1 to C6, D1 to D6, E1, and F1.
For code distance relationships between the codewords, reference can be
made to Table 1-21.

[0079] It can be seen from Table 1-22 that, in this embodiment, the
feedback signal D-N-D is mapped into D1; the feedback signal D-A-D is
mapped into C1; the feedback signal N-D-D is mapped into B1; the feedback
signal N-N-D is mapped into C2; the feedback signal N-A-D is mapped into
A2; the feedback signal A-D-D is mapped into A1; the feedback signal
A-N-D is mapped into B2; the feedback signal A-A-D is mapped into D2; the
feedback signal D-D-N is mapped into B6; the feedback signal D-N-N is
mapped into C5; the feedback signal D-A-N is mapped into C6; the feedback
signal N-D-N is mapped into D4; the feedback signal N-N-N is mapped into
E2; the feedback signal N-A-N is mapped into A3; the feedback signal
A-D-N is mapped into D3; the feedback signal A-N-N is mapped into A5; the
feedback signal A-A-N is mapped into F2; the feedback signal D-D-A is
mapped into A6; the feedback signal D-N-A is mapped into C4; the feedback
signal D-A-A is mapped into C3; the feedback signal N-D-A is mapped into
D5; the feedback signal N-N-A is mapped into A4; the feedback signal
N-A-A is mapped into B5; the feedback signal A-D-A is mapped into D6; the
feedback signal A-N-A is mapped into B3; and the feedback signal A-A-A is
mapped into B4.

[0080] Still further, in this embodiment, codeword values corresponding to
each codeword are provided, and the codeword values are bit sequences
which may be referred to Table 1-23. As can be seen from Table 1-23, the
codebook comprises 26 codeword values.

[0081] Table 1-23 is a specific example. The present invention is not
limited to merely the mapping relationships shown in Table 1-23, and
those mapping relationships obtained by performing simple transformation
on the basis of Table 1-23 also falls within the scope of the present
invention, such as random changing of a sequence between columns on the
basis of Table 1-23, or negation of a certain column value.

[0082] This embodiment provides a method for encoding feedback signals of
three carriers in TC mode. In this embodiment, a single code channel is
applied, which not only reduces power overhead and improves system
performance, but does not affect CM value.

[0083] In view of the foregoing, the embodiments provide solutions for
HARQ-ACK technology in TC mode. According to the foregoing description,
the present invention is further applicable to double code channels,
which solves HARQ-ACK feedback problems of 4 carriers, 5 carriers, and 6
carriers.

[0084] For ease of description, in the embodiments, definitions of the
following terms are specified as follows.

[0085] SC: an encoding solution for single-carrier, that is, the encoding
solution corresponding to Table 1-1.

[0086] DC: an encoding solution for dual-carrier, that is, the encoding
solution corresponding to Table 1-2.

[0087] TC: an encoding solution for ternary-carrier, that is, the encoding
solution according to the present invention.

[0088] for 4 carriers: the TC encoding solution may be applied in a first
code channel, and the SC encoding solution may be applied in a second
code channel; for 5 carriers: the TC encoding solution may be applied in
a first code channel, and the DC encoding solution may be applied in a
second code channel; and for 6 carriers: the TC encoding solution may be
applied in a first code channel, and the TC encoding solution may also be
applied in a second code channel.

Embodiment 1 of an Apparatus for Encoding Feedback Signal

[0089] FIG. 3 is a schematic structure of an apparatus for encoding
feedback signal according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the
apparatus includes an encoder 1 and a transmitter 2. The encoder 1 is
configured to encode feedback signals of three carriers to output a bit
sequence, and the transmitter 2 is configured to transmit the bit
sequence on a HS-DPCCH.

[0090] In this embodiment, the encoder 1 is further configured to map the
feedback signals of the three carriers into a codeword. The codeword is
selected from the codebook comprising codewords G1 to G16 and H1 to H10.
For code distance relationships between the codewords in the codebook,
reference can be made to Table 1-9.

[0091] Specifically, in this embodiment, the encoder 1 may perform the
encoding procedure according to the description in Embodiment 1 of method
for encoding feedback signals aforementioned.

[0092] This embodiment provides an apparatus for encoding feedback signals
of three carriers in TC mode. In this embodiment, a single code channel
is applied, which not only reduces power overhead and improves system
performance, but does not affect CM value.

Embodiment 2 of an Apparatus for Encoding Feedback Signals

[0093] The apparatus according to this embodiment may include an encoder
and a transmitter. The encoder is configured to encode feedback signals
of three carriers to output a bit sequence, and the transmitter is
configured to transmit the bit sequence on a HS-DPCCH.

[0094] In this embodiment, the encoder is further configured to map the
feedback signals of the three carriers into a codeword selected from a
codebook. The codebook comprises codewords A1 to A6, B1 to B6, C1 to C6,
and D1 to D6. For code distance relationships between the codewords,
reference can be made to Table 1-12.

[0095] Specifically, in this embodiment, the encoder 1 may perform the
encoding procedure according to the description in Embodiment 2 to
Embodiment 4 of the method for encoding feedback signals aforementioned.

[0096] This embodiment provides an apparatus for encoding feedback signals
of three carriers in TC mode. In this embodiment, a single code channel
is applied, which not only reduces power overhead and improves system
performance, but does not affect CM value.

Embodiment 3 of an Apparatus for Encoding Feedback Signals

[0097] The apparatus according to this embodiment may include an encoder
and a transmitter. The encoder is configured to encode feedback signals
of three carriers to output a bit sequence, and transmitter is configured
to transmit the bit sequence on a HS-DPCCH.

[0098] In this embodiment, the encoder is further configured to map the
feedback signals of the three carriers into a codeword selected from a
codebook. The codebook comprises codewords A1 to A6, B1 to B6, C1 to C6,
D1 to D6, E1, and F1. For code distance relationships between the
codewords in the codebook, reference can be made to Table 1-17.

[0099] Specifically, in this embodiment, the encoder 1 may perform the
encoding procedure according to the description in Embodiment 5 and
Embodiment 6 of the method for encoding feedback signals.

[0100] This embodiment provides an apparatus for encoding feedback signals
of three carriers in TC mode. In this embodiment, a single code channel
is applied, which not only reduces power overhead and improves system
performance, but does not affect CM value.

Embodiment 4 of an Apparatus for Encoding Feedback Signals

[0101] The apparatus according to this embodiment may include an encoder
and a transmitter. The encoder is configured to encode feedback signals
of three carriers to output a bit sequence, and the transmitter is
configured to transmit the bit sequence on a HS-DPCCH.

[0102] In this embodiment, the encoder is configured to map the feedback
signals of the three carriers into a codeword selected from a codebook.
The codebook comprises codewords A1 to A6, B1 to B6, C1 to C6, D1 to D6,
E1, and F1. For code distance relationships between the codewords in the
codebook, reference can be made to Table 1-21.

[0103] Specifically, in this embodiment, encoder 1 may perform the
encoding procedure according to the description in Embodiment 7 of the
method encoding feedback signal.

[0104] This embodiment provides an apparatus for encoding feedback signals
of three carriers in TC mode. In this embodiment, a single code channel
is applied, which not only reduces power overhead and improves system
performance, but does not affect CM value.

[0105] A person skilled in the art may understand that all or part of the
steps of the method according to the embodiments may be implemented by a
computer program code instructing hardware. The computer program code may
be stored in a computer readable storage medium. When the computer
program code runs in a computer unit, the steps of the method according
to the embodiments of the present invention are performed. The storage
medium may be any medium that is capable of storing program codes, such
as a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a magnetic
disk, or an optical disk.

[0106] It should be noted that the above embodiments are merely provided
for elaborating the technical solutions of the present invention, but not
intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention
has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments,
it is apparent that persons skilled in the art can make various
modifications and variations to the invention without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. The invention shall cover the
modifications and variations provided that they fall within the scope of
protection defined by the following claims or their equivalents.

[0107] While this invention has been described with reference to
illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be
construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of
the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the
invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference
to the description. It is therefore intended that the appended claims
encompass any such modifications or embodiments.